News

Many constituents have contacted me to express concern following the spillage of 400 litres of cyanide from a delivery truck at Heanor Gate Industrial Estate last week.

I understand that Environment Agency officers have been on site since the incident occurred on Tuesday and have worked alongside Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and Derbyshire County Council to contain the spillage in order to minimise any effects on the environment and on wildlife in the surrounding area.

Water samples and dead fish from Adam’s Pond have confirmed contamination, so activated carbon is being added to neutralise the chemicals, and the Agency is looking at additional options to deal with the pollution and further reduce its impact on the local environment.

As a precautionary measure, Derbyshire County Council are advising users of Shipley Country Park to stay away from Adam’s Pond and Osborne’s Pond, and keep dogs on a lead in the area to prevent any contact with the water. Signs are up to warn the public.

If local residents see any impact of the pollution, you can report the matter to the Environment Agency through their incident hotline on 0800 807 060. I will be meeting with them over the next few weeks to discuss the impact on the environment, and measures to try to prevent any similar incidents in the future. Thank you to all of the emergency services and organisations who have been dealing with, and limiting, the effects of the cyanide leak.